Beautiful Trails to Hike in Virginia
Information and links to hiking trails in the Charlottesville area. Also included are Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway and other Virginia locations.
Trail on the Red Route in Fall at Ivy Creek Natural Area
It's so easy for time to get away from me. And it's really irritating to look back on a Saturday that was wasted. I've been working on a list of "great-to-do" hikes that we can pull out mid-week when we see a clear weekend ahead.
I was bitten by the hiking bug with our first trip out west to Yellowstone and Jackson Hole. Obviously, enjoying nature is a big plus, but it's not the only wow for me. Each new hike fills me with the joy of knowing new images and places, and, on a very personal note, hiking is the very best way for me to exercise, it seems. Literally, hiking changes my body shape.
The wealth of hiking opportunities in the Charlottesville area alone is fantastic! Top on the list is Shenandoah National Park and the plethora of hiking options. Be sure to visit the Shenandoah National Park Hiking Page Here. The safety part of the page is important, but dig into the page and you'll find Waterfall Hikes, Amazing Brochures and Trail Maps, Featured Hikes by District, i.e. North District Hikes, South District Hikes, and Central District Hikes. Did you know that 105 miles Appalachian Trail is in Shenandoah National Park?
Hiking along Crabtree Falls
We hiked Crabtree Falls this summer, it's full of people but definitely a fun hike. Crabtree Falls is part of the 360 miles of hiking trails that make up the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is located in both Virginia and North Carolina. This is the link to the Virginia Trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
There's a group that writes articles about great things to do in all fifty states. It's called Only in Your State. A few years ago, one of their writers created a fun list "must-see" hikes in Virginia, 12 Trails in Virginia You Must Take if you Love the Outdoors.
Wonderful Hiking Around Charlottesville
Sometimes, on days like today, when the weather clears and the temperature rises, I know I need to get out and hike. Luckily, there are so many great local spots to check out for an hour hike. Here are a few of my favorites ...
Spots for listening to the birds at Ivy Creek
Ivy Creek Natural Area - 7 miles of walking trails, complete with Trail Map, well-marked, good workout, really pretty
Sugar Hollow Trail to Blue Hole - the link will take you to the Google Map that will get you to Sugar Hollow Trail... the Blue Hole is part of a series of swimming holes. ( more on Sugar Hollow --> Sugar Hollow on Wikipedia and GREAT reference on The Hiking Project, Sugar Hollow Loop.
The Rivanna Trail - BEST urban trail system, 20 miles of trails, with access points throughout Charottesville and Albemarle County
Walnut Creek Park- 15 miles of trails, located south of Charlottesville
Another really good article (September 2018) about local hikes, from Cville Weekly, "Into the woods: 15 favorite Charlottesville-area hikes, from easy to "ease up!"
Please visit the following for more about outdoor recreational activities:
Enjoying Water Sports Around Charlottesville
Hiking Crabtree Falls
Hiking Shenandoah National Park with Wild Virginia
It's Hot! Hike to Waterfalls for Beautiful Relief...
It's Hot, So Get Wet at Charlottesville City Parks
Ivy Creek Natural Area - Programs All Year Long
Kayaking the Rivanna River
Outdoor Recreation in the Fall in the Charlottesville Area
There are LOADS of fun, outdoor recreational opportunities in the Charlottesville area. The best resource we've found is the Charlottesville-Albemarle Recreation Guide, developed by Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Activities in the guide include hiking, cycling, mountain biking, canoeing , kayaking, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, and more. Also, there are website links to visit for more detailed information. Above all else, there is something fun for everyone here!
If you are considering purchasing or selling a home in the Charlottesville area, rely on me to help you put the pieces together. Virginia Gardner, Roy Wheeler Realty Co., (434) 981-0871 Email Virginia
